A Comprehensive Guide to What beef broth is Whole30 compliant?

October 19, 2025 •

5 min read

According to Whole30, beef and chicken bone broths are staples of the program, prized for their rich flavor and nutrient content. For those on the 30-day program, understanding what beef broth is Whole30 compliant? is crucial, as many commercial products contain off-limit additives like sugar, grains, and MSG.

Quick Summary

This guide explains the ingredients to look for and avoid when choosing beef broth on a Whole30 program. Learn about compatible store-bought options, including Whole30 Approved brands, and find a simple recipe for making your own at home, ensuring your cooking stays on track.

Key Points

Read Labels Carefully: Always scrutinize the ingredient list of any store-bought broth for hidden sugars, grains, legumes, and forbidden additives like MSG and carrageenan.
Seek Whole30 Approved Brands: Look for the official label from brands like Kettle & Fire and Bonafide Provisions, which guarantee compliance.
Consider Making Your Own: For absolute control over ingredients, making beef bone broth at home is the best and most cost-effective option.
Avoid Bouillon and Stock Concentrates: Most bouillon powders and paste concentrates like Better Than Bouillon contain added sugars and other non-compliant ingredients.
Choose Bone Broth for Higher Nutrients: Bone broth is often a more nutrient-dense option than regular beef broth, and several compliant varieties exist.
Favor Simple Ingredients: A clean, compliant broth will have a short ingredient list with recognizable whole foods like beef bones, vegetables, water, and herbs.

Understanding Whole30 Rules for Beef Broth

The Whole30 program is an elimination diet focused on eating whole, unprocessed foods. This means a strict reading of ingredient labels is essential, and beef broth is no exception. The main goal is to avoid added sugars, grains, legumes, dairy, and certain additives for 30 days. When it comes to beef broth, this can be a minefield of hidden ingredients that can sideline your progress.

Off-Limit Ingredients to Check For

To successfully navigate the grocery store aisles, you must know what non-compliant items might be lurking in your beef broth. The Whole30 program strictly prohibits the following in your broth:

Added Sugars: This includes cane sugar, corn syrup, maltodextrin, and even healthier-sounding sweeteners like agave nectar or maple syrup. Broth can contain these to enhance flavor, so check the ingredient list carefully.
Grains: Ingredients derived from grains, such as corn starch or rice bran, are not allowed. Some broths may use these as thickeners.
Legumes: Soy is a common additive in many processed foods. Soy lecithin, for instance, is a non-compliant ingredient to watch out for.
Additives: Watch for carrageenan, MSG, and sulfites, which are explicitly banned on the program. Even some "natural flavorings" can be non-compliant, so opt for brands with transparent ingredient lists.
Yeast Extract: While not always non-compliant, it often acts as a flavor enhancer and can contain MSG. It's best to avoid it to be safe unless the manufacturer explicitly states it's compliant.

The Importance of Label Reading

The most important skill for a successful Whole30 is meticulous label-reading. Don't be fooled by labels that say "natural" or "gluten-free." You must read the ingredient list itself. Many commercial broths, including popular brands, often contain non-compliant additives. For example, some broths use "natural flavoring" or yeast extract, which can be deal-breakers. A long, complex ingredient list is often a red flag, though not always disqualifying if all components are compliant. Look for a short, simple list of real, recognizable ingredients like beef bones, vegetables, water, and herbs.

What Beef Broth is Whole30 Compliant? Finding Approved Brands

Fortunately, many brands have recognized the demand for clean, Whole30-compatible products. Looking for the official "Whole30 Approved" label is the most straightforward way to ensure a product meets the program's strict standards.

Here are some of the most reliable choices for compliant beef broth:

Kettle & Fire: This brand is officially Whole30 Approved and offers several beef bone broth options that are compliant. They use 100% grass-fed beef bones and organic ingredients.
Bare Bones Broth: Known for its high-quality ingredients, Bare Bones offers an instant beef bone broth powder that is Whole30 compatible. This is an excellent option for convenience.
EPIC Provisions: EPIC has a line of sippable beef bone broths that are Whole30 compliant. Just be sure to check the specific variety, as some of their other products may contain non-compliant ingredients.
Bonafide Provisions: Another Whole30 Approved brand that sells grass-fed beef bone broth, typically found in the freezer section of many health food stores.
Pacific Foods Organic Beef Bone Broth: While some Pacific Foods products may not be compliant, certain bone broth options are. Always double-check the ingredient list for any added sugars or soy products before purchasing.

DIY: How to Make Whole30 Beef Bone Broth at Home

For complete control over your ingredients and the freshest taste, making your own beef bone broth is the best option. It is cost-effective and surprisingly simple.

A Simple Whole30 Beef Bone Broth Recipe

Ingredients:

3-4 pounds assorted beef bones (marrow, knuckle, or shank bones)
2 medium carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 large onion, quartered
3-4 garlic cloves, smashed
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 bay leaf
Fresh thyme and parsley sprigs
Salt and black peppercorns to taste
Filtered water

Instructions:

Roast the Bones: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange beef bones on a baking sheet and roast for 30-40 minutes until browned. This step is crucial for developing a rich, deep flavor.
Combine and Simmer: Place the roasted bones, vegetables, and herbs in a large stockpot or slow cooker. Add the apple cider vinegar and cover everything with filtered water, leaving a few inches of space at the top. The vinegar helps extract minerals from the bones.
Slow Cook: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a low simmer. Simmer for at least 12 hours, and up to 48 hours for beef bones, skimming any foam from the surface as it appears.
Strain and Store: Once finished, remove the large bones and vegetables with a slotted spoon. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a large bowl. Allow it to cool before storing in airtight containers in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.

Comparison Table: Whole30 Compliant Beef Broths


Brand	Key Features	Compliance Notes	Best For	Storage Type
Kettle & Fire	Organic, grass-fed bones, high protein, shelf-stable packaging.	Officially Whole30 Approved.	Convenient, long-term storage and high protein content.	Shelf-Stable (Tetra Pak)
Bare Bones Broth	Instant powdered mix, on-the-go packets.	Compatible with Whole30 due to no added sugars or additives.	Travel, easy additions to sauces, and quick use.	Shelf-Stable (Powder)
EPIC Provisions	Sippable broths, grass-fed options, various flavors.	Check specific product labels; Classic Beef is compliant.	Sipping directly from a jar and savory flavor options.	Jar/Ready-to-drink
Bonafide Provisions	Organic, grass-fed, frozen for maximum freshness.	Officially Whole30 Approved.	Maximizing nutrient content and taste, with less processing.	Frozen

Conclusion

Navigating the world of commercial beef broths while on a Whole30 diet requires diligence. The primary rule is to read every label carefully, looking for hidden sugars, grains, dairy, and off-limit additives. Relying on officially Whole30 Approved brands like Kettle & Fire and Bonafide Provisions is the safest bet, while keeping a careful eye on the labels of other seemingly compliant brands like Pacific Foods. For those who prefer complete control over ingredients and don't mind a little extra effort, making your own beef bone broth from scratch is the most foolproof method. By being informed and proactive, you can ensure your beef broth choices fully support your Whole30 journey.

Visit the official Whole30 website for more program guidelines and information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most Swanson beef broth is not Whole30 compliant because it contains non-compliant ingredients like yeast extract, natural flavoring, and often added sugar. It is essential to check the specific product label, but it is generally safer to choose a Whole30 Approved brand.

Corn starch is not allowed in Whole30 beef broth because corn is a grain, and all grains are eliminated during the program. Some manufacturers use it as a thickener, so careful label reading is necessary to avoid it.

No, Better Than Bouillon is not Whole30 compliant. Most bouillon products, including Better Than Bouillon, contain added sugars and other non-compatible additives, so they should be avoided.

The key difference is the presence of prohibited ingredients. Whole30 compliant broth contains only real, whole food ingredients like bones, vegetables, water, and herbs. Non-compliant broth often contains added sugars, grains, legumes (like soy), MSG, or other non-permitted additives.

Check the ingredient list for all forms of sugar, not just "sugar." Look for keywords like cane sugar, dextrose, maltodextrin, and even "natural flavors" which can sometimes mask added sugars. A zero-sugar nutrition label is a good indicator, but the ingredient list is the ultimate authority.

Both bone broth and regular beef broth can be Whole30 compliant if they meet the ingredient rules. Bone broth, however, is often simmered for a longer period, potentially providing more minerals and collagen, which may offer additional health benefits.

Homemade beef broth can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, it should be frozen, where it can last for several months.